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Influence of wastewater disinfection on densities of culturable fecal indicator bacteria and genetic markers
Citation:
Chern, E., K. Brenner, L. Wymer, AND Rich Haugland. Influence of wastewater disinfection on densities of culturable fecal indicator bacteria and genetic markers. JOURNAL OF WATER AND HEALTH. IWA Publishing, London, Uk, 12(3):410-417, (2014).
Impact/Purpose:
Provide technical information on the performance of qPCR methods for monitoring wastewater treatment efficacy to potential decision makers, stake-holders and end-users
Description:
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S.EPA) has proposed the use of qPCR as an alternative method for rapid recreational water quality monitoring. For qPCR to be considered for other Clean Water Act purposes such as for monitoring wastewater disinfection efficacy, it is necessary to understand how qPCR detectable genetic markers are influenced by wastewater disinfection. This study investigated genetic markers for Enterococcus, E. coli, Clostridium, Bacteroides fragilis cluster, total Bacteroidales, B. uniformis, B. stercoris, as well as the human associated markers, HF183 and HumM2, to determine which, if any, were influenced by secondary wastewater disinfection (chlorination and ultraviolet) in different seasons. The effects of disinfection on culturable Enterococcus, E. coli, B. fragilis cluster, and C. perfringens were also compared to their associated genetic markers. Secondary wastewater disinfection significantly influenced culturable FIB but not genetic marker densities. Responses of FIB culture and genetic marker densities to type of disinfection (chlorination vs. UV) did not significantly differ nor did season have a significant effect on the responses although reductions appeared less in winter and by UV treatment. Results of this study provide evidence that qPCR may not be a suitable substitute for culture methods in monitoring the efficacy of secondary wastewater disinfection.
